Topic
Public Finance
5,915 speeches · 726 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 283 |
| 2 | Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha, M.P. JJB | 229 |
| 3 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 171 |
| 4 | Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, M.P. JJB | 167 |
| 5 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 153 |
| 6 | Hon. Kumara Jayakody, M.P. JJB | 147 |
| 7 | Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, M.P. SJB | 140 |
| 8 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 135 |
| 9 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 115 |
| 10 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 92 |
Speeches
5,915 on this topic- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Wijesiri Basnayake supported the amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, stating they are intended to align Sri Lanka’s tax system with international standards, simplify administration, remove ambiguities, broaden the tax base and improve compliance rather than reintroduce arbitrary criminal enforcement. He cited Sri Lanka’s low government revenue-to-GDP ratio in 2022 and argued that revenue must rise to at least 15 percent of GDP to support state functions and development. He outlined measures including changes to estimated payment reporting, exemptions for specified Sri Lanka Air Force payments to non-residents, clarification of life insurance proceeds, net-basis treatment of donations to state universities, and an increase in capital gains tax for individuals and partnerships from 10 to 15 percent. He also attributed rupee depreciation to external shocks affecting freight, oil prices, imports, exports, remittances and tourism, calling for further discussion on interest rates and reserves. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran criticized the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill on the grounds that higher taxes would increase prices and disproportionately burden poor households, small industries and SMEs. He urged the Government to focus instead on domestic production, investment promotion, export expansion and foreign exchange earnings as sustainable economic measures. He also called for further wage increases, protection against rising fuel and commodity prices, and support for farmers and fisherfolk, including affordable fertilizer and a guaranteed price for paddy. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa paid tribute to war veterans, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sarath Fonseka, the tri-forces, Police and Civil Security forces on the anniversary of the war victory, while calling for reconciliation among affected communities to prevent any recurrence of conflict and protect national unity and sovereignty. He criticised proposed tax administration measures that would criminalize tax lapses, arguing that international practice applies tiered penalties and reserves criminal liability for intentional non-compliance. He said economic hardship and rising costs made the measures burdensome for businesses and citizens, and called for Inland Revenue Department strengthening, digitization, reasonable deadlines, leniency for voluntary disclosure, and acceptance of amendments to be moved by Sujeewa Senasinghe. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Bill as creating an enforceable process for tax recovery, including Inland Revenue notice, time for rectification and representations, and Magistrate’s Court proceedings before action against deficiencies. He said the measure is aimed at formalizing economic activity and preventing persistent tax evasion while protecting compliant taxpayers, and noted RAMIS integration and expected collection efficiencies. He outlined proposed tax changes including exemptions or clarifications on motor vehicle sales, donations, life insurance, small interest income, salary arrears, investor visas, exporter expenses, capital allowances, and relief for SMEs through possible waiver of penalties and interest if arrears are settled within six months. He also said the Government is widening the tax base through TIN registration and mandatory use of TINs for economic activities. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim argued that the Government has failed to recover large VAT and tax arrears, citing Rs. 309 billion allegedly paid by consumers to private companies and Auditor General findings on missing files related to court cases. He criticized Clause 34 introducing Section 185A as a draconian criminal-law approach to tax compliance that would intimidate small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially amid IMF revenue pressures. He also questioned the consistency of launching an SME strategy while introducing measures he said would deter businesses, and urged the Government to amend the clause. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim, speaking for the Opposition on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, argued that effective taxation depends on public trust, fairness and a social compact, citing earlier periods of higher revenue used for social programmes and warning that its erosion contributed to fiscal collapse. He welcomed the reported withdrawal of several clauses after Supreme Court petitions, but urged amendments to Clause 31(4), saying provisions allowing tax default certificates to be treated as criminal fines and limiting judicial scrutiny had been found constitutionally problematic. He also opposed Clause 34, which criminalizes failure to file returns and delays in TIN registration, arguing that it is disproportionate and could affect young people and small online earners. He called on the Government to revise punitive provisions to protect trust in the tax system and consider broader social and economic consequences beyond narrow constitutional compliance. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera said the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill seeks to simplify tax administration, reduce taxpayer burdens, improve compliance and broaden the tax base without raising rates. He outlined measures including removal of estimated tax statements, audit relief for compliant taxpayers, lower investment thresholds for SME machinery allowances, deductions for exporters’ overseas expenses, interest waivers on arrears, revised treatment of salary arrears, simplified refunds for senior citizens, exemptions for minor incidental income and private vehicle capital gains. He also noted that, following Supreme Court petitions, Cabinet agreed to withdraw three clauses and amend provisions on deficiency assessments and appeals, while providing a legal framework for withholding tax self-declarations. He stated that Inland Revenue and overall tax collections exceeded Budget targets in 2025, which he attributed to improved administration and compliance. Debate: Second Reading of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and Committee Stage Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that the rupee’s recent movement, with an indicative rate around LKR 333 and a 4.8 percent year-to-date depreciation, should be viewed in the context of global dollar strength and short-term market pressures, rather than compared to the 2022 crisis. He said the Government expects stabilization within the week using available policy tools. He clarified that IMF inflows and external debt remain denominated in US dollars, so exchange rate changes affect rupee reporting values but do not increase the dollar value of external debt, while foreign exchange effects on domestic instruments and exposures will be managed in an orderly manner. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake criticized the delay in presenting the matter to Parliament, arguing that earlier action could have reduced losses. He questioned the economic benefit of receiving the fifth IMF tranche, stating that rupee depreciation increases the local value and carrying cost of Sri Lanka’s external debt by more than the expected IMF disbursement. He also challenged the rationale for raising electricity and fuel prices while allowing the rupee to depreciate, and asked who is accountable for the Central Bank’s handling of exchange rate movements. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Gross Official Reserves were provisionally estimated at USD 6.8 billion at end-April 2026, with Net International Reserves rising from USD 2.487 billion in 2024 to USD 4.285 billion in 2025. Details were provided on reserve composition, swap liabilities with the People’s Bank of China, Reserve Bank of India and domestic banks, and the deployability of reserves. The statement also outlined audit arrangements under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, restrictions on resident-to-resident foreign currency transactions under the Foreign Exchange Act, and noted that CBSL does not collect data on losses through foreign payment gateways while card payment acquirers must be licensed under the relevant payment systems regulations. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha stated that specific issues concerning NDB were outside the immediate scope of the question but would be looked into. He explained that EPF governance is handled through the Monetary Board’s EPF Management Committee at the Central Bank, with administrative coordination by the Ministry of Labour, and said discussions are ongoing with the NLAC and CBSL on strengthening governance, including possible changes to investment policy and Board representation. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned delays by the Central Bank and Finance Ministry regarding oversight of NDB, noting EPF’s approximately 10 percent stake and other state-linked holdings through EPF/ETF, BOC and Sri Lanka Insurance. He asked why directors had not been appointed to represent these interests, whether Central Bank Supervision had investigated alleged malfeasance and losses, and argued that institutional independence should not permit inaction when a bank is deteriorating. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister of Labour rejected reports that the Employees’ Provident Fund would be converted into a pension-only scheme, stating that no such decision, actuarial valuation, or proposal exists. He said any EPF-related policy or legislative changes would be made in consultation with the National Labour Advisory Council, trade unions, employers, and other stakeholders. He noted that EPF assets stood at Rs. 4,965 billion as at 31 December 2025, and that consultations had agreed on establishing a tripartite governance mechanism with technical experts to oversee EPF matters, including investments. He also stated that discussions were focused on simplifying the 30 percent withdrawal process, not removing existing benefits. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on cybersecurity risks affecting government institutions, banks and critical public infrastructure, citing recent attempted intrusions and public concern over major state agencies and enterprises. He requested detailed data from 2023 onward on cyberattacks, breaches, ransomware, phishing, fraud complaints, institutional intrusions, existing security systems, legacy-system vulnerabilities, audit and penetration-testing compliance, accountability for breaches, and losses or disruptions since 1 January 2025. He also asked what urgent measures are being taken against cyber warfare and organized cybercrime, and questioned the responsibility of the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance in light of reported concerns over institutional accountability. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha explained that maintaining a primary surplus is central to Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability programme, as it reduces the need for new borrowing to meet large interest obligations. He said government debt had fallen from about 104 percent to 96.8 percent of GDP, with a target of 86 percent by 2030, while targeted relief would continue through additional revenues and social protection allocations. He noted that 2025 revenue collections exceeded targets due to improved compliance and administration, that multilateral funds are tied to specified programmes, and that a temporary vehicle import surcharge was introduced to conserve foreign exchange amid external pressures. He also clarified that the poverty line is a statistical minimum-needs measure, not a standard for comfortable living, and said rural poverty requires longer-term structural measures. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned why the Government would consider further fuel price increases and maintain high electricity tariffs despite claims of strong Treasury balances, primary surpluses, increased revenue, and multilateral inflows under the IMF, ADB, and World Bank. He also asked when the Government would fulfil its promise that the public could buy a Vitz car for Rs. 1.2 million. He challenged the official poverty line figures and requested that the Department of Census and Statistics explain whether people in all 25 districts can live for a month on the stated amounts. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha said the rupee’s 2026 depreciation was driven by external pressures including Middle East tensions, higher oil prices, tourism disruptions, capital outflows, and foreign exchange market expectations, while stressing that the Central Bank maintains a flexible exchange rate and sees no disorderly volatility. He outlined expected IMF, ADB, World Bank and other multilateral inflows, continued QR-based fuel allocation, and a temporary surcharge on certain private vehicle imports to conserve foreign exchange. He said the Government does not accept that most citizens face an unbearable burden, citing expanded relief through Aswasuma, fuel, electricity, agriculture, tea, fisheries and other targeted support amounting to about Rs. 100 billion. He also acknowledged rural household and micro-entrepreneur indebtedness linked to unregulated microfinance and low financial literacy, particularly among women, and said measures had been initiated to address it. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on its economic management amid rupee depreciation, rising living costs, income inequality and pressure on living standards. He sought explanations on the causes of currency depreciation and the Government’s short-, medium- and long-term plans for exchange-rate stability, as well as programmes to ease public hardship and household indebtedness. He also asked what measures would expand contributions from agriculture, services and industry to GDP, and whether district-wise poverty lines issued by the Department of Census and Statistics are realistic indicators given current market conditions. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna AI summary An answer was tabled regarding vehicle requirements for the Kalmunai Municipal Council, confirming that requirements had been identified and submitted in an annex for National Budget Department approval. The annex lists proposed procurements and replacements, mainly for solid waste collection, drainage cleaning, construction work, water supply, road maintenance, street lighting, disaster and fire services, field inspections, and general municipal operations. Questions by Private Notice and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Aravinda Senarath stated that there is no legal impediment to enrollment at the institute, but intake limits under previous administrations resulted in no cohorts being recruited for about three years. He said the Department plans to restart enrollments this year, with advertisements already published, qualifications under review, and preliminary steps underway. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →